The baby girl was recovered from a road in the township of Katlehong, and is approximately 2 to 3 weeks old. Mbalula commented that she “was found in a good condition and was later taken to hospital for a check-up.”

The Twitter was accompanied by the hashtag #saps, which refers to the South African Police Service.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the child’s abandonment. He was reported to be in stable condition.

Mbalula also resorted to Twitter to ask for information regarding the baby’s origins. “If you know the mother, come forward by calling Crime Stop on 0860010111. Katlehong FCS (unit) is investigating the case,” the post read.

Although there is no official data, it is estimated that around 300 children per month are abandoned in the country, and of those, 65% are newborns. Many are left alone in unsafe places, such as toilets, drains and sewers.

South Africa is experiencing a rise in abandoned babies, but here is a place where they can be left in a safer environment:

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